At the A level, teams will be organized in line with the USA Hockey competitive team model. Coaches qualified to teach higher level skill development to players who have the desire and ability for a competitive experience will be sought. A balance of teamwork, sportsmanship, development of self-esteem and winning is stressed. Travel for competition should be reasonable, but may include tournaments several hours away. An objective is to become competitive with the top teams in the State of Connecticut.

In order to achieve the appropriate level of competitiveness the following guidelines will apply to A level teams:

- Try-Outs: There will be separate A level tryouts for any player wishing to be on an A team. By attending the try-out, the player understands that if they make the A team, they are expected to participate in that program in accordance with these guidelines. A fee of $50 will be paid for the additional "A" try-out and warm-up schedule.

- Practices: Practice hours will consist of 55 to 65 on-ice hours with additional off-ice hours including organized chalk talks and dry land training. "A" teams may be required to practice at locations other than AOF rink. Division directors may be responsible for the reporting of practice status at monthly board meetings.

- Games: The target for games is 40 to 50 games including tournaments. A minimum of 30 games will be against CHC teams.

- Travel: Can be throughout New York, New Jersey and New England based on the competitive level of individual "A" teams within it’s "A" bracket.

- Playing Time: There will be between thirteen and fifteen skaters, and one or two goalies per "A" team. Playing time will be earned by the players at practice and determined at the coach’s discretion.

- Player Fees: It is expected that the fees for "A" team participation will be approximately $300 more than "B" and "C" teams. This will allow for about 15 additional full ice practice slots.

B Level:

At the B level, teams will be organized in line with the USA Hockey recreational team model. Recreational hockey is the backbone of youth hockey in the USA. This program is designed to provide opportunities to play for enjoyment, fitness, relaxation and fellowship. Teamwork, sportsmanship, skill development and the development of self-esteem are stressed; winning games is of lower priority, it is not the top priority. The League may also at times field an A1 team which will operate with this "B" Philosophy.

In order to achieve the appropriate level of development the following guidelines will apply to B level teams:

- Try-Outs: A general tryout will occur for B and C level players. Costs for this tryout are included in the registration fee.

- Practices: Practice hours will consist of 40 to 50 on-ice hours with the remainder accomplished off-ice through organized chalk talks and dry land. B teams will primarily practice at AOF rink. Division directors may be responsible for the reporting of practice status at monthly board meetings.

- Games: The target for games is 35 to 45 games including tournaments. A minimum of 25 games will be against CHC teams.

- Travel: Throughout Connecticut. Tournament schedule may include additional locations outside of CT including MA, RI or equivalent.

- Playing Time: There will be fifteen skaters, and one or two goalies per B team. Playing time for all players will be similar, if players are attending practices and conforming to team rules and requirements. In the last five minutes of a close game, playing time will be determined at the coach’s discretion.

- Player Fees: A standard fee will be set for B level teams.

C Level:

At the C level, teams will be organized in line with the USA Hockey recreational team model. Recreational hockey is the backbone of youth hockey in the USA. This program is designed to provide opportunities to play for enjoyment, fitness, relaxation and fellowship. Skill development is of the utmost importance. Teamwork, sportsmanship, and the development of self-esteem are stressed. Winning games is of lower priority.

In order to achieve the appropriate level of development the following guidelines will apply to C level teams:

- Try-Outs: A general tryout will occur for B and C level players. Costs for this tryout are included in the registration fee.

- Practices: Practice hours will consist of 40 to 50 on-ice hours with the remainder accomplished off-ice through organized chalk talks and dry land. Tournament games are to be included in this ratio. C teams will primarily practice at AOF rink. Division directors will be responsible for the reporting of practice status at monthly board meetings.

- Games: The target for games is 25 to 30 games including tournaments (16 to 20 for Mite Cs). Most games will be against CHC teams.

- Travel: Throughout Connecticut. Tournament schedule may include additional locations outside of CT including MA, RI or equivalent.

- Playing Time: There will be fifteen skaters, and one or two goalies per C team. Playing time for all players will be similar, if players are attending practices and conforming to team rules and requirements.